Location: United States
Not considering herself a "photographer" but an image-maker, Ellen Jantzen creates work that bridges the world of photography, prints and collage. As digital cameras began producing excellent resolution, Ellen found her perfect medium. It was a true confluence of technical advancements and creative desire that culminated in her current explorations in photo-inspired art using both a camera to capture imagery and a computer to alter, combine and manipulate the pieces. Her work is shown and published internationally; just recently she was awarded First Prize, Fine Art in the prestigious PX3, Prix de la Photographie Paris for her series "Transplanting Reality; Transcending Nature"
Ellen is represented by, among others, the Susan Spiritus Gallery in Newport Beach CA and the Bruno David Gallery in St. Louis MO.
Ellen's work can also be seen on her website: http://www.ellenjantzen.com/
Forests and trees have played a prominent role in many folktales and legends and have been given deep and sacred meanings. They are seen as powerful symbols of growth, decay and resurrection. I am responding by striving to make visual the ephemeral nature of sacred, spiritual realms.
In this series, I am transplanting replica trees into the natural world then creating ethereal forms that blend with and supplant the natural environment. One is artificial, the other a spirit form; both represent the transcendence of nature.
In this series I am using imagery to convey my "feelings" about the state of nature, the nature of trees, and how to express their connection to past, present and future. By obscuring a portion of the image through a veil, I strive to heighten the remaining reality through discovery and reflection.
Can Artists Heal Nature
As human actions impact the natural environment, can artists heal nature? Does art bring “special powers” to the table? If so, what are they? What is ‘art’? What is ‘nature’? What needs healing? What arrogance!
Disturbing the Spirits deals with both reality and time (past/present/future) and my growing attachment to the healing powers of the natural environment.
My life has taken a turn over the last four years. I returned to my place of birth in the US Midwest after leaving my home of 20 years. I left my California home with a range of emotions, from deep regret, loss and grief to longing and anticipation of what was to come; there is a new life brewing within.
I have been searching for meaning in my new life and have taken solace in the nature of this region…. its ever-changing seasons bring about an awareness of the fleetingness of life. I have an obsession with disappearance, of revealing only bits of reality and obscuring the rest through a veil of obscurity.
“A Resonant Chill”
“In The Field of Gold”
“Evidence of Myth”
“Attaining Bliss”
“Enlightened Path”
“Transforming Memory”
“Encounter”
“Promise of Summer”
“Let The Others Follow”
“Proximity”
“Toward Profusion”
“Promise of Spring”
